Clothes, as Diana Crane establishes in her book Fashion and Its Social Agendas, “are a major tool in the construction of identity, offering a wide range of choices for the expression of lifestyles or subcultural identities” (171). However: “Social scientists have not articulated a definitive interpretation of how a person constructs social identity in contemporary society” (Crane 2). This might be one of the reasons why clothing has found its way into fiction, contributing to the characterization of protagonists and fictional world alike. The versatility of postmodern texts makes the analysis of clothing in connection with the process of constructing identities especially rewarding.
The term postmodernism is hard to define. In the preface to his book The Illusions of Postmodernism Terry Eagleton makes a distinction between postmodernism and postmodernity:
The word postmodernism generally refers to a form of contemporary culture, whereas the term postmodernity alludes to a specific historical period. Postmodernity is a style of thought which is suspicious of classical notions of truth, reason, identity and objectivity, of the idea of universal progress or emancipation, of single frameworks, grand narratives or ultimate grounds of explanation. (vii)
Postmodernism, then, reflects these notions in what Eagleton calls “a depthless, decentred, ungrounded, self-reflexive, playful, derivative, eclectic, pluralistic art which blurs the boundaries between ‘high’ and ‘popular’ culture, as well as between art and everyday experience” (vii). Although his definition is not in favor of postmodernism, it does indicate how diverse subject-matter as well as style in postmodern texts can be. In other words, “anything goes” (Mayer 543).
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Clothing in American Psycho
- 2.1. Fashion
- 2.2. Violence
- 2.3. Clothing as a Motif in American Psycho
- 3. Clothing in Pattern Recognition
- 3.1. Culture
- 3.2. Creativity
- 3.3. Clothing as a Motif in Pattern Recognition
- 4. Clothing in A Box of Matches
- 4.1. Everyday Life
- 4.2. Enthusiasm
- 4.3. Clothing as a Motif in A Box of Matches
- 5. Conclusion
- 6. Works Cited
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis investigates the connotations of clothing in three American postmodern novels: Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho, William Gibson's Pattern Recognition, and Nicholson Baker's A Box of Matches. The objective is to analyze how clothing functions in the construction of identity and its reflection of consumerism within these diverse fictional worlds. The study explores the varied relationships of the protagonists to clothing and its implications for understanding their characters and the social contexts they inhabit.
- The role of clothing in constructing identity in postmodern American fiction.
- The relationship between clothing, consumerism, and social class.
- The diverse interpretations and significances of clothing in different social settings.
- The representation of fashion trends and their impact on the protagonists.
- The connection between clothing and violence, or the lack thereof.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the importance of clothing in constructing social identity, referencing Diana Crane's work on fashion. It then delves into the complexities of defining postmodernism, contrasting postmodernism as a cultural style with postmodernity as a historical period. The chapter highlights the diverse subject matter and style in postmodern texts, emphasizing the often pessimistic and conflict-ridden perspectives of postmodernist writers, often linked to consumerism. Finally, it introduces the three novels—American Psycho, Pattern Recognition, and A Box of Matches—and their protagonists' differing relationships with clothing as the central focus of the thesis.
2. Clothing in American Psycho: This chapter analyzes the significance of clothing in Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho. It explores how Patrick Bateman's meticulous attention to fashion brands and designer labels reflects his immersion in consumerism and his attempt to construct a hyper-masculine image. The chapter examines the connection between Bateman's obsession with clothing and his acts of violence, considering the potential symbolism of clothing as a mask for his psychopathic tendencies. The analysis will delve into specific examples of clothing descriptions and their relation to the narrative's themes of superficiality, violence and the emptiness of consumer culture.
3. Clothing in Pattern Recognition: This chapter shifts the focus to William Gibson's Pattern Recognition, examining Cayce Pollard's unique relationship with clothing. Unlike Bateman's embrace of high fashion, Cayce exhibits an almost allergic sensitivity to certain brands and styles, highlighting the ambiguous relationship between consumerism and personal identity. The chapter explores Cayce's sensitivity to the cultural significance of clothing and its potential to reveal underlying patterns and meanings. It delves into the role of clothing in defining her unique perspective, especially its role in her work as a "pattern recognizer" within the context of fashion trends and the complexities of popular culture.
4. Clothing in A Box of Matches: In contrast to the previous chapters, this section analyzes Nicholson Baker's A Box of Matches, focusing on Emmett's unassuming and playful relationship with clothing. Unlike the other protagonists, Emmett's interest in clothes is not driven by brand names or fashion trends but rather by the individual pieces themselves and their personal significance. The chapter examines how Emmett's approach to clothing reveals his appreciation for the ordinary and his unique perspective on everyday life, contrasting sharply with the consumerist obsessions of Bateman and the cultural sensitivity of Cayce. It examines the subtle role clothing plays in shaping his interactions and his overall perception of life.
Keywords
Postmodern American fiction, clothing, consumerism, identity, fashion, violence, American Psycho, Pattern Recognition, A Box of Matches, Bret Easton Ellis, William Gibson, Nicholson Baker, social class, cultural significance, everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Clothing in Postmodern American Novels
What novels are analyzed in this thesis?
This thesis analyzes the role of clothing in three postmodern American novels: Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho, William Gibson's Pattern Recognition, and Nicholson Baker's A Box of Matches.
What is the main objective of this study?
The main objective is to analyze how clothing functions in the construction of identity and its reflection of consumerism within these three diverse fictional worlds. The study explores the protagonists' varied relationships with clothing and its implications for understanding their characters and the social contexts they inhabit.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
Key themes include the role of clothing in constructing identity in postmodern American fiction; the relationship between clothing, consumerism, and social class; the diverse interpretations and significances of clothing in different social settings; the representation of fashion trends and their impact on the protagonists; and the connection between clothing and violence (or the lack thereof).
How does the thesis approach the analysis of clothing in each novel?
Each novel receives a dedicated chapter. American Psycho focuses on Patrick Bateman's use of designer labels to construct a hyper-masculine image and the potential link between his clothing and violence. Pattern Recognition examines Cayce Pollard's aversion to certain brands and her sensitivity to the cultural significance of clothing. A Box of Matches explores Emmett's unassuming relationship with clothing, emphasizing its personal significance rather than its brand value.
What is the significance of the introductory chapter?
The introduction establishes the importance of clothing in constructing social identity, discusses the complexities of defining postmodernism, and introduces the three novels and their protagonists' differing relationships with clothing as the central focus of the thesis.
What is the conclusion of the thesis?
The conclusion (Chapter 5) summarizes the findings from the analysis of each novel, drawing together the overarching themes and insights regarding the role of clothing in the construction of identity and reflection of consumerism in the chosen texts. (The specific content of the conclusion is not detailed in the provided preview).
What are the key words associated with this thesis?
Key words include: Postmodern American fiction, clothing, consumerism, identity, fashion, violence, American Psycho, Pattern Recognition, A Box of Matches, Bret Easton Ellis, William Gibson, Nicholson Baker, social class, cultural significance, everyday life.
What is the structure of the thesis?
The thesis is structured with an introduction, chapters dedicated to each novel (analyzing clothing within their respective narratives), a conclusion, and a works cited section. The preview also includes a table of contents and chapter summaries.
For whom is this academic work intended?
This academic work is intended for scholarly use, focusing on the analysis of themes in a structured and professional manner.
- Quote paper
- Magistra Artium Theresa Wenzel (Author), 2007, Clothing and Its Connotations in Postmodern American Fiction, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/115590
